Good samaritans honored for quick-thinking actions

By Jennifer Summer, jsummer@hcnonline.com

Published 2:05 pm, Friday, December 9, 2016

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The good Samaritans were honored for their quick thinking during the city of Humble Council meeting Thursday, Dec. 8. Decuir was presented with a certificate from the Humble Police Department and the city of Humble Mayor Merle Aaron; Beard was unable to attend the meeting. less

The good Samaritans were honored for their quick thinking during the city of Humble Council meeting Thursday, Dec. 8. Decuir was presented with a certificate from the Humble Police Department and the city of ... more

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Good samaritans honored for quick-thinking actions

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Humble resident Damian Decuir knows he was in the right spot at the right time.

About two months ago, Decuir and fellow resident Christopher Beard witnessed an auto-pedestrian accident, trapping two teenagers underneath of the vehicle.

Decuir and Beard were in the parking lot when they heard screaming and ran to the aid of the two teens in the 400 block of S. Bender Ave around 9 p.m. Sept. 8.

"The lady had pulled over and was trying to continue to drive when we were telling her, 'You hit two people,'" Decuir said. "We grabbed the steering wheel and were trying to get her to realize what she had done. The screams are something I will never forget; I had to do something."

The two teenagers were trapped under the vehicle and the driver fled the scene on foot. Decuir and Beard retrieved floor jacks to lift the vehicle to remove the two teens and shared information with the police officers on the scene once the victims were pulled to safety.

"The two gentlemen were in the parking lot, not knowing each other, they both ran to the aid of the victims," Humble Police Sgt. Chris Martin said during the meeting. "With the floor jacks, the two men were able to slide the victims out from underneath of the vehicle, saving their lives. They were both transported from the scene via ambulance, and they are here with us tonight. Their selfless act and without hesitation ran over to help is why it is our honor to acknowledge them this evening.

The good Samaritans were honored for their quick thinking during the city of Humble Council meeting Thursday, Dec. 8. Decuir was presented with a certificate from the Humble Police Department and the city of Humble Mayor Merle Aaron; Beard was unable to attend the meeting.

"Too often we don't hear about the good things, only the bad things, so we are so thankful for people like you," Humble Police Chief Delbert Dawes said. "Sometimes the witnesses' biggest accomplishment in an accident like this is to take out their cellphone and film what is happening, but Decuir and Beard ran forward, grabbed the jacks and saved the two teens from underneath the vehicle.

"From what I understand, you prevented the woman, before she fled, from backing up which would have further injured the children. This is a small token, but we are more thankful for your quick-thinking actions."

Aaron invited Decuir to visit City Hall in the future to enjoy some hot chocolate and take a tour.

"It is fantastic when we see a resident who wants to step up and help; the city of Humble is proud to honor you," Aaron said.

When reflecting on his actions that night and being honored with a commendation, Decuir stated, "It's shocking; a lot of things can go unnoticed, and I didn't do this for fame or anything, I just saw something happen and wanted to run and help. I have kids so I knew I had to do something. It was an honor to help someone out; I try to help where I can. I don't have a cape, but I do what I can."

A week after this incident in the same parking lot, Decuir helped to stop someone who was contemplating suicide, which further instilled his believe that he was there for a reason.

Additionally, the newly formed Friends of the Octavia Fields Library was introduced during the meeting.

The Friends of the Octavia Fields Branch Library in Humble will be responsible for fundraising for various activities at the library and programs.

The city council, the city of Humble, the Humble Police Department and the Humble Fire Department were each presented holiday cards handmade and decorated by children at Octavia Fields Branch Library during the meeting.

"As a Branch manager I would like to thank all Friends Board members for their dedication to serving the community and for supporting our library," branch manager Janna Hoglund said. "We are truly looking forward to working together in serving the residents of the city of Humble."